CITIZENS’ BAND

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 280, 10 November 1934, Page 5

CITIZENS’ BAND

Urgent Need of Funds APPEAL FOR UNIFORMS Tributes to Men’s Loyalty The possibilities of raising £3OO immediately for the purchase of mw uniforms, and eventually another £2OO to meet various liabilities, formed the topic for discussion at a meeting ealled by the Mayor, Mr G. A. Maddison, and held last evening under the auspices of the Hastings Citizens’ Band. It was stated during the meeting that the uniforms at present worn by the bandsmen were bought second-hand seven years ago, and that they were eight short of a full set. Speakers at te meeting described them as dilapidated and a disgrace to the town and district, and it was stated also that unless th* band is able to obtain the financial assistance required, it will have to go out of existence. There was an attendance of thirty at the meeting, but in spite of the fact that 324 circulars had been sent out to leading citizens, only three or four of those present were not bandsmen or members of the Citizens’ Committee of the band. THE CREDIT OF THE TOWN. After discussing various suggested methods of raising at least the £3OO needed for the purchase of new uniforms, it was decided to hold a ‘‘Band Saturday” in the streets of the town in the near future, and also to make a personal canvass for funds. After pointing out that the band would have to make the best showing possible, and to uphold the credit of the town, on the occasion of the Duke of Gloucester’s visit to Hastings on December 19, and a little later to take part in the welcome to the Band of the Grenadier Guards, Mr Maddison said that an examination of the band’s accounts showed that at least £5OO would be required to meet the band’s obligations. It had to be considered also whether the band was to be enabled to take part in the coming Dominion championships at Dunedin. Mr Maddison went on to say that if tha band were to take part, new uniforms would be needed for that purpose alone, and he advised the building up of a reserve fund to meet future needs in the matter of uniforms and instruments.

VOLUNTARY SACRIFICES. Az a result of various conferences held previously with the band and the Citizens’ Committee, he said, an annual saving of £B5 had been arranged, principally by the voluntary sacrifice of remuneration by the conductor and others. After recalling how the band, ten years ago, resolved to meet liabilities amounting to £BOO, and how it paid 207in the £, Mr Maddison added that there was a danger of drifting into a similar position unless some financial support were obtained. •‘We must be frank,” said Mr Maddison, ‘‘and ask ourselves whether the tows wants a band or not.” The band had been ready at all times to help on civic occasions, and as a public unit it had never failed in its duty to the town and the district. “I hope,” he added, •‘that any appeal that is made will be met by the public in full measure.” Mr F. T. Lancaster, as chairman of the Citizens’ Committee, expressed the view that the band could not continue to exist without an increased measure of financial support from the public. ‘‘To turn out in the present uniforms,” he said, would be a disgrace to the town and district.” If the public cared to make suggestions as to how the necessary funds could be raised the committee would be glad to receive them, and to combine with citizens in attempting to raise the money. The band had more than £lOOO in assets, but it had no money.

PARADED 174 TIMES IN YEAR. Mr Hedley Harvey, one of the business men present, said that the town would regret such a happening as losing its band, and he believed that the citizens were proud of it. Mr S. Ashcroft said it was disappointing to see so few citizens present apart from members of the band and the committee. As a member of the committee he had been greatly impressed with the loyalty and efficiency of the bandsmen, and especially with the work and the ability of the conductor, Mr Bryant. The town was fortunate in having a band of the calibre of -the Citizens’ Band. ‘‘When we hear that it has turned out 174 times this year,” said Mr Ashcroft, ‘‘we may realise what it would mean to the town to be without its band.” In discussing what means might be adopted to raise the necessary funds, Mr F. J. Hull suggested that a personal appeal was the most successful way. On the motion of the Mayor, it was decided to make a personal appeal as proposed by Mr Hull, and to hold a special ‘‘Band Day” on some Saturday in the near future. DONATIONS TO FUNDS. The following donations to the funds of the band were announced at the meeting: £ s. d. Mr Mason Chambers .. .. 5 0 0 Messrs Harvey Bros. .. .. 22 0 Mr H. W. C. Baird 110 Total . .. •• .. £8 3 0